[1] This is in contrast to the better-known communicative approach, under which learning is thought to emerge through language production, i.e. a focus on speech and writing.
The comprehension approach is most strongly associated with the linguists Harris Winitz, Stephen Krashen,[2] Tracy D. Terrell and James J. Asher.
The comprehension approach is based on theories of linguistics, specifically Krashen's theories of second language acquisition,[5] and is also inspired by research on second language acquisition in children, particularly the silent period phenomenon in which many young learners initially tend towards minimal speaking.
The comprehension approach usually involves a silent period when the learner tries to assimilate the various meanings of the words that make up the target language.
This phenomenon may be attributed to the fact that the brain is a complex entity that allows for the resources to compartmentalize different cognitive skills, as is clearly evident in the ability to learn the meaning of a language first before speaking it.